For the many grey nomads who suddenly found themselves unable to fully use their cookers while on their travels, help is finally at hand.
Consumers who have a Swift 500 series cooker in their caravan or motorhome are advised there is now a remedy for recalled models and should immediately arrange a free inspection of their cooker and possible repair.
The ACCC has put out a press release saying inspection and repairs will be carried out free of charge by the manufacturer, under a remedy Swift has negotiated with the Gas Technical Regulators Committee (GTRC).
The GTRC comprises of representatives from Australian state, territory, and New Zealand gas regulators.
The ACCC says it is concerned about the risk of explosions and burns associated with 16 recalled models of the Swift 500 series cooker.
About 11,000 cookers are affected, which were manufactured between 1 January 2019 and 31 May 2020 (inclusive). A safety alert telling owners to urgently stop using the appliances was first put out all the way back in June.
“Unfortunately, three people have already suffered serious injuries and burns while using a defective Swift cooker,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said. “In one case a person suffered first degree burns to their stomach and legs. We don’t want to see any more injuries occur.”
Affected consumers not already registered for the recall are being urged to contact Swift Appliance Group as a matter of urgency, so Swift can arrange an inspection and potential repair.
“In the meantime, consumers are advised not to use the front left burner of their cooker until they have been inspected and necessary repairs carried out,” Ms Rickard said. “Remove the knob and store it out of reach.”
Full details of how to proceed can be found on the Swift website.
Most of the recalled cookers were supplied new with the vehicle by retailers nationally, and a small number were purchased separately by consumers and installed later.
The hazard that was identified was that part of the gas supply pipe to cookers used in motorhomes and caravans might break or erode. Gas leaks and an ignition source can cause explosions or fires.
The ACCC said there were three factors that can cause the gas supply tube to fracture and leak gas:
The consumer body says the remedy process involves inspecting the tube that supplies gas to the front left burner to check that it is fitted correctly and shows no signs of wear. Damaged or ill-fitting burner tubes will be replaced.
The Swift 500 series cookers subject to the recall are those manufactured between January 1, 2019, and May 31, 2020.
Anyone with an affected cooker should contact Swift Appliance Group to have the cooker inspected and repaired.
The model and the date of manufacture can be found inside the cooker lid. These details can be checked against the full list of recalled models on the ACCC’s product safety website.
Would be great if those listed as authorised repairers knew of the requirements. I contacted my nearest and was told they’re awaiting instructions, also said they learned of their authorisation when told by customers. We have been added to a waiting list pending information with possibility of early 2023. (Oh dear)
Swift don’t arrange anything, you have to engage the services of a licensed gas plumber who then has to liase with Swift as to what needs to be done via a video link they supply. This effectively places the burden back onto the customer.
That’s dam typical of today’s support by a warrentied business.
Why is this information only now being published? Swift advised me back in July of this issue and had the replacement hose installed in August free of charge.
How on earth did you manage that, I registered with them from the get go as my cooker is definitely faulty. I only got an email a cpl days ago and it was very unclear as to where I need to take it. I’ve tried calling them with no luck at all. Very unprofessional
Agree with you 100% Leanne, my situ like yours I registered mine in July 22 and never heard back after mths of waiting. Only got an email 3 days ago to say my model was not affected with the fault & not included in the recall. I’ve had it isolated as they specified since then and for my inconveinience I get contacted after 4 Mths wait. I’m lost for words that I can publically post as to my disgust in how swift didn’t handle this matter professionally. The ACCC should delist that company from operating.
Luckily I could the front burner knob back on yesterday. Inconvience now over .
2016 model not affected.
For those needing repairs may they be done quickly for you
Welcome to the RV repair industry folks. Nearly 9 yrs of being in this game it is all about escaping blame, handballing problems or, as some of you have found, just plain ignore the customer.